Strictly judges cosmetic surgery from Anton Du Beke's hair transplant to Shirley Ballas' facelift

As the festive season approaches, Strictly Come Dancing is back on our screens every weekend, but it's not just the fancy footwork that's drawing attention.

The spotlight is also on the judges - Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke - as well as the show's glamorous hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with whispers about who might have indulged in a nip here or a tuck there to achieve that perfect, ageless glow. Dr. Gina Schoeman, an aesthetic doctor at CREO Clinic, isn't surprised by the stars' choice to seek cosmetic enhancements, given the unforgiving stage lights and the show's glitzy demands.

She commented: "The stars of Strictly Come Dancing are known for their glamorous looks, and it's not uncommon for some of them to turn to aesthetic treatments and surgeries to maintain their youthful appearance under the spotlight. While there's often speculation about what they've had done, many of these treatments are subtle and designed to enhance their natural beauty without making drastic changes."

Let's delve into which Strictly judges have been open about their cosmetic procedures over time....

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Craig Revel Horwood

It's been a decade since Craig Revel Horwood opened up about undergoing life-changing surgery that left him feeling 'invincible'. The straight-talking Strictly judge had spoken candidly about having his 'man boobs' removed - a condition medically known as gynaecomastia, reports OK!.

Following the procedure, which can involve liposuction or removal of breast tissue depending on the severity, Craig felt a huge sense of relief. Craig previously told the Mail Online: "I had a moob job. I used to be a C-cup and now I am an A," as he spoke about the health condition that affects and embarrasses many men. "It's still seen largely as a cosmetic procedure, even though it can ruin your self-confidence. It did mine."

Craig's issues with gynaecomastia began when he took up dancing as a teenager and simultaneously struggled with anorexia. Despite having a toned physique from working out daily while dancing at the Lido in Paris, he hated the excess flesh around his nipples. During the surgery, Craig also had fat deposits on his back reduced.

Matthew James, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at BMI The Blackheath Hospital in South-East London, has performed numerous gynaecomastia reduction operations.

He explained: "It can affect men at various ages. Some males are born with it and up to 50 per cent of teenage boys are susceptible to swelling or breast pain brought on by hormonal changes in puberty, although this usually subsides by the age of 20." Dr Schoeman stated that it's a confidence booster for males in front of the camera.

"Men in the spotlight may also address issues like excess breast tissue with gynaecomastia reduction surgeries, which help them achieve a more toned, defined chest. This is a common procedure for those looking to improve their physique both on and off the dance floor."

Anton Du Beke

Earlier this year, judge Anton shared with his fans that he had undergone a cosmetic procedure to give him a fuller head of hair after noticing his hair was becoming "a little thing on top."

The 58 year old, who is now a judge on the hit show having previously starred as one of the professional dancers, posted a video of his hair transplant, followed by his impressive end results. The star travelled to Dublin for the procedure and expressed on Instagram that he was 'loving' the results having returned to work just days afterwards.

A hair transplant involves removing hair follicles from the back of the head where hair tends to be thicker for longer, to the front, with Anton showing fans every step of the way from preparation through to his recovery. The judge was left with stitches for 10 days post surgery.

Anton Du Beke, who previously underwent a procedure to address a receding hairline seven years ago, expressed satisfaction with his recent treatment, saying, "My hair is good and pain is gone." He added: "There's no pain at all now and I haven't had any for a few days. It's incredible. I know a lot of men and women suffer from hair loss and it can really knock your confidence."

Dr Schoeman, an expert in the field, commented on Anton's choice to have hair transplant surgery, noting, "It helps restore hair in areas of thinning and receding, creating a fuller, natural look that can be a game-changer for those in front of the cameras."

Shirley Ballas

Meanwhile, Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about how her non-surgical facelift has reignited her 'sparkle. ' At 64, she has been visiting one of the UK's leading cosmetic doctors, Dr Judy Todd, at Cadogan Clinic in Chelsea for cutting-edge non-invasive treatments aimed at revitalising her face and neck.

Speaking to The Standard, Shirley confessed: "Contrary to what people think, I'm not the most confident person in the world. Just over a year ago, I was actually getting quite down on myself because of the appearance of my face."

She continued: "I'm being really serious. My chin and jawline were sagging, my skin was dull, I had a lot of pigmentation with sun-spots and I had little spider veins on my nose. My face just didn't sparkle and it really dented my confidence."

Shirley embarked on her rejuvenating journey earlier in January 2023, regularly visiting the clinic for subsequent treatments to maintain her youthful face and neck. The cutting-edge technique involves using super-heated nitrogen gas, promoting collagen and elastin enhancement, which revitalises skin profoundly.

Dr Schoeman highlighted various popular cosmetic procedures amongst celebrities, stating, "Aesthetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, RF micro needling and skin peels are likely amongst all stars to keep their skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. Mid face filler may also be a popular choice as this will make the under eye and mid face area appear brighter and less 'tired'."

Motsi Mabuse

Notably open about her struggles with her sizeable DD bust, Motsi Mabuse has frequently expressed her desire for reduction surgery. The South African star, who graced the dance floor as a professional before judging, has candidly discussed how her chest impedes her dancing a sentiment echoed by Dr Schoeman, who recognises that such discomfort is often the primary impetus for surgery.

The doctor remarked on potential solutions for female dancers, saying, "Female stars might turn to breast reduction surgery or uplifts to reduce discomfort, particularly for those who lead very active lifestyles. This surgery can help improve physical performance and reduce any strain caused by larger breasts, which could make a significant difference in a rigorous dance schedule."

Tess Daly

Tess Daly has been turning heads with her age-defying looks, and it's no secret anymore. The Strictly host confessed she owes her youthful appearance at 55 to the wonders of Ultherapy's collagen-boosting treatments which keeps her looking as if she's in her twenties.

Daly, a staple on the dance show since its inception in 2004, swears by this latest technology for maintaining her flawless visage. "My best friend had a breast reduction operation. She said it was the best thing she's ever done. I just think that you need to be comfortable. That's the most important thing. If you don't feel comfortable, change it."

"It's your body. You need to be happy. And keep it in perspective. And remember to be grateful - some people would kill for healthy boobs like these." And "In South Africa there are many women with a large chest. There you are not embarrassed when you visit a lingerie store to get a bra fitted. The worst thing is when a sales assistant has an A-cup. It's like when you go into a fitness studio and the trainer looks like she was working in a fast food chain. I am not going to take her advice seriously."

Claudia Winkleman

Claudia Winkleman revealed her struggles with myopia to The Sun in 2021, recalling how the condition made objects in the distance appear blurred, affecting her work on Strictly Come Dancing.

After being treated at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London through a significant laser surgery that reshapes the eye's surface, she expressed immense gratitude for the life-changing results.

On her decision to undergo laser eye surgery after battling an eye condition that made distant objects appear blurry myopia, she recounted: "I can't even begin to tell you how blind I am. It's embarrassing. I can't read the autocue. My eyes have deteriorated so badly, I'm not meant to drive. I am doing the wrong job."

Post-operation, Claudia acknowledged the fearsome experience but was thankful, saying: "It was a frightening time but the operation was life-changing. I am so grateful to the fantastic staff at Moorfields [Hospital]."

While Claudia has dabbled with cosmetic treatments, she admitted her aversion to Botox after an unsatisfying trial left her looking odd, to which she confessed: "I had a go at Botox and I looked weird. I'm not even going to show you what's under my fringe because then you'll be physically sick on me. I try and be honest about it. I tried it, didn't like it. I looked alarmed, and if there's anything that I am it's not alarmed."

The TV star quipped about her age and distinctive style: "Damn, I'm 44, it's falling apart. I have a huge fringe and I wear enough eyeliner to kill a clown. I mean, a lot of people find it repellent, but I'm too old to start changing."

She hasn't dismissed the idea of cosmetic procedures either, admitting: "I'm not going to say never again. I might wake up in two years' time, find a small hand-mirror, scream the house down and run. I don't like being airbrushed. I love doing no make-up. I'm on the Tube all the time looking disgusting," she said with a chuckle.

Dr Schoeman noted that for TV personalities, anti-wrinkle treatments are almost expected: "These treatments help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, ensuring their skin looks flawless under stage lights. Many stars likely receive regular Botox to maintain a youthful, smooth complexion, which is vital for those close-up camera shots."

CREO Clinic's top plastic surgeon and senior medical director Dr Omar Tillo discussed why many opt for cosmetic enhancements: "People often get cosmetic surgery to fix a specific problem they feel self-conscious about, helping them gain confidence and feel better about their body," he said.

He also highlighted the positive aspects of cosmetic surgery when performed by experts: "There's nothing wrong with getting surgery if it makes you feel better about yourself, as long as you choose a reputable and experienced surgeon."

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